Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Freebourn
E.
Durrett
September 9, 1907

–

June 6, 1942

Born:

Jones County

, 

Texas

Home:

Lakeview

, 

Texas

Buried: 

Lakeview

, 

Texas

Cemetery:

Lakeview Cemetery (Cenotaph)

Freebourn Durrett was a member of the air crew of a Flying Fortress that was lost in action during its second run on enemy targets during the Battle of Midway. All nine members of Captain Porter’s crew were awarded Silver Stars, but there is no report of the valiant pilot receiving the award.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    72d Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    5th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1942
    Headquarters, VII Bomber Command, General Orders No. 68 (August 13, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Freebourn E. Durrett (ASN: 6544624), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a combat crew member of a United States B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 72d Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, in the Battle of Midway between 3 and 7 June 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Durrett, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.